Welcome to this edition of AFL Gippsland News for the latest updates and information for Leagues, Clubs and Umpire Associations throughout Gippsland.
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| View this email in your browser AFL Gippsland News Welcome to this edition of AFL Gippsland News for the latest updates and information for Leagues, Clubs and Umpire Associations throughout Gippsland.  The AFL Gippsland Newsletter is organised across the 8 key focus areas in support of community football. Upcoming events, opportunities and ways to engage are outlined in the newsletter with links to RSVP and discover more information included.  Participation Participation team on the ground across Gippsland As we reach the halfway mark of the year and Auskick season, the participation team are seeing so much action and growth in every corner of Gippsland. Over the past few months, we have visited visit 45 Auskick Centers in person to meet with our volunteers on the ground helping facilitate the sport we all love and have a touch point with every Auskick Coordinator. Our All-Girls Auskick groups have been a hit with Inverloch, Drouin, Phillip Island and Leongatha leading the way with record numbers in their all-girls groups. We launched our first community lead Superkick in Lakes Entrance assisted by Game Development Officer (GDO) Tom Crellin, with a Term 3 introductory indoor Superkick Centre launching in Sale in Term 3. Our GDO’s Tom, Alicia Molesworth and Travis Mitchell, have been busy making school visits all over Gippsland and running activities for the little footballers in our communities, including multiple weeks of programming in schools in Morwell, Tyers, Sale and multiple Warragul schools, All-girls school sessions, Kinder visits, assisting at Auskick Centres Gippsland wide, with more visits planned in the next few weeks. Heading into the school holidays, AFL Victoria is hosting a School Holiday Program in Drouin which we hope will see so many Auskick and Superkicker’s participating in –leading into a huge Term 3 with six AFL staff-led programs locked in, including All-Girls centres in Inverloch, Morwell and Warragul, School programs in Trafalgar and Lakes Entrance and our first Superkick in Sale. We are hoping to finalise 3 more programs across Gippsland and have 3 carnivals planned during the term. The Participation team are super excited to continue the momentum rounding out the community football season and beyond. If you would like to touch base with our Gippsland Participation Coordinator, Caitlin Weston email Caitlin.Weston@afl.com.au or call 0488 222 069. Play AFL Club Finder    Game Development Officer Roles Now Available AFL Victoria is seeking individuals to join our team to become a Game Development Officer. We are looking for people fun, footy orientated people who are looking to support the growth and participation of the game with kids in South Gippsland. Working on a casual part time basis, the role is nothing but wholesome. You will be provided full training, uniform, and equipment. If you would like to know more or are interested in applying contact Cailtin Weston on 0488 222 069. AFL Victoria Game Development Officer Club Development Club Development Officer for East Gippsland We are pleased to introduce Tom Crellin to the Gippsland football community. Tom has been with the AFL in a Game Development Officer (GDO) role since March 2023 and has provided support for community activations, AFL community camps, Auskick check-ins, and school programs and clinics. He has played his football locally in both the Omeo and District and East Gippsland competitions and hailing from Swifts Creek and now Lakes Entrance knows the region well in terms of both opportunities and challenges. Tom is fantastic with all the kids he works with in schools and at junior football clubs and his work in getting Superkick up and running in Lakes Entrance has been excellent. In addition to his current role, Tom will be commencing in the dual role of Club Development Officer (CDO) and Game Development Officer dedicated to the East Gippsland region this week. The Club Development Officer role dedicated for East Gippsland will build upon the work of Club Development Lead, Nicole Bertuna and Participation Coordinator, Caitlin Weston. Importantly for East Gippsland, the dual role will see him as a one-stop shop for both club development and game development support for the region with clinics, school visits, Auskick, Superkick, AFL Nines and other opportunities able to be accessed locally through Tom with the support of the AFL Victoria and AFL Gippsland team. Registration Competition Winners AFL Gippsland ran a competition earlier this year to give Clubs the opportunity to win prizes based around their percentage increase in registrations leading into Easter. Open across 4 categories of registration growth – Auskick, Junior, Youth and Seniors the winning clubs were: Orbost Snowy Rovers – 50 x Sherrin footballs Yallourn North Juniors – VFLW player lead clinic and family BBQ Warragul Industrials – training session with Gippsland Power coaches at the Centre of Excellence (prize still to be redeemed) Lakes Entrance – 4 x Level 1 Tickets to Richmond & Essendon’s Dream Time Game and an AFL Merchandise pack    Telstra Footy Country Grants The Telstra Footy Country Grants is designed to financially assist initiatives that can support Community Clubs affiliated to the AFL to strengthen the base and secure the future in three key strategic areas: – Grow and assist volunteer capacity. – Grow and diversify participation. – Improve club environments and experiences. Across the first two Rounds of the Program 32 Gippsland based Clubs have been offered grants totalling $60,000. The full list of successful applicants can be viewed below. ROUND 3 APPLICATIONS CLOSE ON 12th JUNE. For information or assistance please contact Gippsland Club Development Lead, Nicole Bertuna at nicole.bertuna@afl.com.au or 0499 321 423 Round 1 Grants  Round 2 Grants  TAC Club Rewards The TAC Club Rewards Program is back, giving grassroots football and netball clubs the opportunity to earn a share in funding by participating in the mission to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on our roads. As part of the program, all AFL Victoria aligned clubs across regional Victoria and in the metropolitan leagues can take part and earn up to $10,000 in funding by promoting road safety to their community. In addition, the TAC and AFL Victoria’s Road Safety Round is taking place on Friday 19th July – Sunday 21st July which will see AFL Victoria clubs and members of the wider footy and netball community take to the field wearing a blue armband. These bands serve as a reminder that we all have a responsibility to drive safely and are in honour of every life lost on the road. We will be distributing these to all Clubs over the coming weeks and Clubs are able to wear them on home games the following weekend if required. TAC Club Rewards  Toyota Good for Footy Raffle The Toyota Good for Footy Raffle is up and running again for the 2024 season. With three brand new Toyota cars as prizes and no administration fees, it’s time to jump on board and sign your club up today. Over 50 Clubs in Gippsland have signed up for the raffle so far with the Warragul Industrials leading the charge with almost $10,000 raised so far! Toyota Good for Footy Raffle  Toyota National Volunteer Awards The 2024 Toyota National Volunteer Awards, comprising of 13 different categories, recognise volunteers across Australia who have made outstanding contributions to community football. Thanks to Toyota in 2024, two cars will be awarded – one to the National Winner of the Volunteer of the Year and to the Young Leader of the Year awarded categories will win a new 2024 Corolla Hatch SX Hybrid. Nominate one of your Club Legends today! Toyota National Volunteer Awards Community Football WorkSafe Country Club game in Gormandale The WorkSafe Country Club Series is back once again for 2024, with WorkSafe Victoria celebrating country footy with clubs across the state. The series supports country football clubs by providing them with a week of activations and events, culminating in a traditional WorkSafe Country Club game and matchday experience. Activities and experiences include a WorkSafe Mental Health Workshop, a Country Club Footy and Netball Training Night with WorkSafe Ambassador Tom Boyd, and a Country Club Match Day featuring giveaways, activations, awards, and a range of guests. The program celebrates and recognises the important role footy and netball clubs play in our community, helping to highlight the unsung volunteers who selflessly donate many hours of their own time. In Gippsland this year we are pleased to announce that the Gormandale Football Netball Club have been selected as this year’s host club and their game against Churchill Saturday on July 13 at the Gormandale Recreation Reserve, will be the 4th WorkSafe Country Club game across regional Victoria in 2024. WorkSafe Country Club Games  Community Club Sustainability Program (CCSP) Update The CCSP which incorporates the Player Payment and Points policies is a mandatory requirement for all 71 senior clubs in Gippsland. To support Clubs in meeting the mandatory requirements of the CCSP for the 2024 season all resources are available at AFL Gippsland CCSP Policies including a YouTube video of the education workshop conducted at the start of the season explaining the Player Payments and Points policy requirements. The independent integrity review process to ensure all Clubs have the required documents loaded into the Portal will be finalised during June. Thank you to all the League and Club volunteers who have done a great job in ensuring Clubs are complaint with the policy. For CCSP club support please contact Region Manager, Tim Cotter on 0499 395 322. AFL Gippsland Region Council Members AFL Gippsland are pleased to announce that our Regional Council members have now met for the first time on 1 May. The three council members are: Rohan Butler – based in Gippsland, Rohan is the CEO of Holstein Australia, a leader in the provision of registration, classification and genetic improvement services for dairy producers. Rohan has extensive expertise and experience in governance, management and administration. Rohan was appointed as Chair of the AFL Gippsland Regional Council. Joe Rettino – based in East Gippsland, former mayor of East Gippsland Shire Council and currently employed with the Australian Government in the National Emergency Management Agency. Allan Chandler – based in West Gippsland, Allan is the Director of the Lowanna Sports Academy and has been heavily involved in local football including the Gippsland Power talent program. We look forward to introducing the Region Council members to the football community of Gippsland and welcoming them to the role. We currently have two vacancies on the Council and those interested in completing an expression of interest please follow the link below. AFL Gippsland Region Council AGM for Gippsland Australian Football Limited Notice is given that the Annual General Meeting of Gippsland Australian Football Limited will be held at the AFL Gippsland office, Travers Street, Morwell at 7.00pm on Tuesday, 25 June 2024, and online via Microsoft Teams. AGM Details Footy Connect A new project has commenced in Gippsland community football called Footy Connect. Footy Connect is being developed in partnership between AFL Gippsland, Leagues and Clubs to enable greater collaboration in working towards a common goal of having healthy and sustainable Clubs. Part of the Footy Connect project is engaging with Clubs through informal events held across local government areas of Gippsland. The next Footy Connect event is being held in East Gippsland on Tuesday 9th July with all League, Club and Umpire Associations invited to attend the evening. Further details on the event are being finalised by our new Club Development Officer for East Gippsland, Tom Crellin. Footy Connect 2024 Victorian Country Handbook The 2024 AFL Victoria Handbook incorporates the Country Rules, AFL Victoria Community Affiliate Regulation and National Community Football Policy Handbook. Leagues and Clubs should all have a hard copy of the handbook, if you require another hard copy please contact the AFL Gippsland office via info@aflgippsland.com.au. Electronic versions are available on the AFL Victoria website. Community Policies | AFL Victoria Facilities Regional Facilities Strategy AFL Victoria are working alongside Netball Victoria and Inside Edge to develop a Regional Facilities Strategy for AFL Gippsland and AFL South East. The project is currently in the inception and planning phase with surveys currently with local government representatives and local leagues. We will continue to update and inform the football community as this project progresses. Umpiring Club Umpire Education Sessions AFL Victoria are pleased to offer a club umpire education and training sessions called Confident Clubbies. Conducted by the AFL Victoria State Coaching and Education Lead, David Harris, the session is free and designed to support club volunteers fill goal, boundary and field umpiring positions at local footy clubs. Tuesday June 25th, from 6.30pm – 7.30pm. The session will cover both theory and practical session. The sessions are free of charge and are open for novice and experienced club umpires. Register Here: https://forms.office.com/r/fQG1MRxAEi Coaching AFL Gippsland Female Coaching Academy An historic occasion with 15 local women and girls now accepted into the inaugural Female Coaching Academy with the first session held on Tuesday 4th June in Warragul. Led by Coach Developer, Bianca Helmuth-Pask and Gippsland Power’s Nathan Boyd the inaugural members of the Academy include: Nicole Cicciari, Longwarrry JFC; Mimi Henderson, Lang Lang FNC; Jayda Tannahill, Pakenham FC; Kylie Mann, Moe Newborough FNC; Stella Dennis, Warragul Industrials FNC; Jemma Maloney, Drouin FNC; Nicole Creaser, Korumburra Secondary College; Jess Szalek, Warragul Industrials; Tessa Binney, Gippsland Power; Michaela Williams, Warragul Industrials FNC; Melissa Doughty, Warranor JFC; Britt Tancred, Sale City FNC; Alisha Hemming, Leongatha JFC; Kathy Zacharopoulos, Leongatha FC; and Raemarie Collins, Newborough FNC, Gippsland Power. As part of the program the coaches will be offered various coaching development opportunities in 2024 including opportunities with the West Gippsland Junior Football Competition Representative Program, All Stars Girls Exhibition Game and V/Line Cup. AFL Gippsland Female Coaching Academy  Women and Girls Female Football Forum Coming up on Monday 24th June, AFL Gippsland and Female Football Gippsland are hosting the second Female Football Forum. The forum aims to provide an opportunity for football stakeholders to have an active role in the growth potential of the girls and women’s game in Gippsland. The proposed format of the day includes: – Statistical overview of the game in Gippsland – SWOT analysis – Identification of priorities – short, medium and long term – Establish Female Football Forum Working Groups – Plans for reporting back and actioning the priorities. We are hopeful that our Female Coaching Academy and Lead Your Way participants may be able to take a lead role in supporting the forum. Perfect champions for the cause! Please register your attendance so we can share pre-reading with all participants prior to the day. All current and aspiring female team representatives should be attending the forum. Registration Link  Gippsland Gather Round Our recent Female Festival of Football showcase the girls and women’s game in Gippsland and tis potential for growth. Played across two ovals at the Morwell Recreation Reserve the day included:10 women and girls games All-girls Come and Play clinic6 x Gippsland Lead Your Way successful applicants announced15 x Female Coaching Academy successful applicants announcedAll women’s and girls umpiring panel umpired a gameConfident Clubbies – club umpire training session Announcement of the 2024 Female Football Gippsland Forum 5 games filmed with commentary and livestreamed on YouTube Gippsland Power run professional athlete development sessions with all participants To view the days activities, visit the Gather Round website and YouTube coverage of the day including interviews with members of the AFL Victoria team covering Club Development, Participation, Umpiring, Women & Girls and Community Football click the link below. Gippsland Gather Round  Lead Your Way The Lead Your Way Program is an opportunity for community football leaders to level up their skills and boost their networks in 2024. We have six Gippsland participants selected for the Program: Michelle Baade, Lakes Entrance FNC; Bobbie Lee Blay, WGJFL, SGJFL, Bunyip FNC; Elli-Tess Linney, Dalyston JFC; Emily McDonald, Glengarry FNC; Susie Edwards, Buchan FNC and ODFNL; and Renee Kemp, Yarragon FNC. Our local leaders will dive into a mix of online and in-person events with expert facilitators and football industry leaders.  Talent V/Line Cup 2024 The V/Line Cup is Victoria’s premier Under 15’s championship competition for country boys’ and girls’ footballers. The V/Line Club provides a pathway to higher level talent programs such as the Coates Talent League and for some it is a step towards an AFL or AFLW career. Gippsland’s involvement in the V/Line Cup this year will be from 22nd of September to the 24th September 2024 with a Division 1 and 2 boys side and a Division 1 girl’s side. AFL Gippsland are pleased to partner with Gippsland Power and the All Stars Program this year to bring a number of new initiatives as part of our V/Line Cup campaign. Firstly, a Girls All Stars game will be held this year in the lead up to squads being selected, scheduled for the All Stars Finals day on Sunday 7th July. EOI’s for coaches are currently being finalised along with the process for player nominations. Keep an eye on our website, socials and your inbox for updates on the 2024 campaign. Our playing jumpers for this year will again incorporate Dylan Bentley’s indigenous design components.  Gippsland Power kicking goals Gippsland Power are having a sensational year with both the boys sitting on 5 wins and 2 losses, equal 2nd on the ladder and the girl’s side are also 2nd on the ladder with 5 wins and 3 losses so far this season. In exciting draft news, Gippsland Power midfield/forward Tom Hanily was selected by the Sydney Swans with Pick 14 in the mid-season draft and Inverloch-Kongwak and Wonthaggi Power player Jack Hutchison was selected by the West Coast Eagles. Hot off the press, Jack has been selected for his AFL debut after kicking 5 goals in the WAFL last weekend.   Newsletter Distribution The AFL Gippsland newsletter is provided to all League Managers and Umpire Associations across Gippsland to on-send to their respective Clubs and members. Feel free to share further afield amongst the Gippsland football fraternity by simply forwarding this email. If you would prefer to subscribe directly to ensure you receive the news, you can do so here: Subscribe Past issues of the newsletter are available at the following link: AFL Gippsland Newsletters |
